diff --git a/services/core/java/com/android/server/am/UserController.java b/services/core/java/com/android/server/am/UserController.java
index 415a822e3160a..4746e12e2838f 100644
--- a/services/core/java/com/android/server/am/UserController.java
+++ b/services/core/java/com/android/server/am/UserController.java
@@ -845,10 +845,16 @@ class UserController implements Handler.Callback {
     }
 
     void scheduleStartProfiles() {
-        if (!mHandler.hasMessages(START_PROFILES_MSG)) {
-            mHandler.sendMessageDelayed(mHandler.obtainMessage(START_PROFILES_MSG),
-                    DateUtils.SECOND_IN_MILLIS);
-        }
+        // Parent user transition to RUNNING_UNLOCKING happens on FgThread, so it is busy, there is
+        // a chance the profile will reach RUNNING_LOCKED while parent is still locked, so no
+        // attempt will be made to unlock the profile. If we go via FgThread, this will be executed
+        // after the parent had chance to unlock fully.
+        FgThread.getHandler().post(() -> {
+            if (!mHandler.hasMessages(START_PROFILES_MSG)) {
+                mHandler.sendMessageDelayed(mHandler.obtainMessage(START_PROFILES_MSG),
+                        DateUtils.SECOND_IN_MILLIS);
+            }
+        });
     }
 
     void startProfiles() {